Ireland in 5 Days: 5 Recommended 5-day Itineraries to Ireland

- Dennis
- From
- Dennis
- From
- Gregory
- From
- Deverick
- From
Ireland 5-Day Itinerary Options
A 5-day trip to Ireland offers just enough time to explore its scenic beauty and rich history. For an unforgettable experience, check out our Ireland 5 days itinerary options, designed to help you discover the country’s iconic landmarks, charming towns, and hidden treasures.
Itinerary #1: Medieval Marvels & Wild Wonders


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Start your tour in Dublin, where history and modernity collide. | Arrival | Dublin |
Day 2 | Discover the mystical landscapes of Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains. | City sightseeing | Dublin |
Day 3 | Head south to the medieval city of Kilkenny, where cobbled streets lead to the imposing Kilkenny Castle. | Castle exploration | Kilkenny |
Day 4 | Venture west to the rugged Cliffs of Moher, standing tall against the crashing waves of the Atlantic | Exploration | Galway |
Day 5 | Wrap up your Irish escapade by taking a trip to Galway, a city brimming with lively street performers and colorful storefronts. | Departure |
This magical five-day itinerary weaves together iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Begin in Dublin before venturing to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountains. Explore medieval Kilkenny and savor culinary delights. Witness the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher, unraveling the Burren's mysteries. Conclude in Galway, where lively streets meet the untamed Connemara wilderness. This Irish adventure perfectly blends history, nature, and the warm embrace of Ireland's spirit.
Itinerary #2: Walking the Aantrim Coast

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Transfer to Orra Beg, and hike along Moyle Way to Ballycastle. | Hiking | Ballycastle |
Day 2 | Coastal walk from Murlough to Fair Head, return to Bushmills. | Walking tour | Bushmills |
Day 3 | Visit Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, Ballintoy Harbor, White Park Bay, Dunseverick Castle, and Giant’s Causeway. | Hiking | Bushmills |
Day 4 | Explore Bushmills, and visit Bushmills whiskey distillery. | Exploration | Bushmills |
Day 5 | Departure from Bushmills after breakfast | Departure |
Embark on a 5-day Ireland adventure, with a self-guided trek starting in Cushendall and concluding in Bushmills. Traverse the picturesque Antrim Way, exploring Ireland's stunning northern coast. Begin in Cushendall, heading north through forest tracks, alongside the Glenshesk River, and through Breen Oakwood Nature Reserve to Ballycastle. Walk the dramatic coastal routes of Murlough and Fair Head, taking in breathtaking cliff views. Visit the iconic Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, featured in Game of Thrones, and continue along the coastal path to Ballintoy and White Park Bay. Explore the village of Portbraddan and the ancient ruins of Dunseverick Castle—marvel at the UNESCO-listed Giant’s Causeway, with its 40,000 hexagonal basalt columns. Conclude your adventure in Bushmills, home to the renowned Bushmills distillery, where you can savor a taste of Ireland's finest whiskey.
Itinerary #3: Dublin, Northern Ireland & Galway


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Depart Dublin for Belfast and explore Titanic Quarter, then Drive to Giant's Causeway and Portrush for overnight. | City sightseeing | Portrush |
Day 2 | Visit Derry's walled city, cross into Donegal, and explore Glenveagh National Park. | Exploration | Donegal |
Day 3 | Travel to Sligo, see Benbulben, visit Carrowmore, explore Achill Island, and arrive in Westport. | Island exploration | Westport |
Day 4 | Discover Westport and Connemara National Park, and optional visits to Kylemore Abbey and Clifden. | Hiking | Westport |
Day 5 | Visit Cong and tour the Royal Abbey of Cong, then drive through Maam Valley to Galway, visit Kilbeggan Distillery, and return to Dublin. | Departure |
This tour is a guided small-group journey that starts in Dublin and concludes in Galway. Begin exploring Belfast with a city tour and visit the historic Titanic Quarter. Travel along the scenic Antrim Coast to marvel at the Giant's Causeway. Discover the walled city of Derry, and experience the wild beauty of Glenveagh National Park in County Donegal. Visit County Mayo, a region deeply impacted by the 1840s potato famine, and enjoy the rugged landscapes of Achill Island. Delve into the charming town of Westport and explore Connemara National Park, with options to visit Kylemore Abbey and the Twelve Bens mountains. Conclude your journey in lively Galway, sampling local seafood and visiting Kilbeggan Distillery before returning to Dublin.
Itinerary #4: Ireland's Historical & Scenic Adventure


Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Visit Rock of Dunamase, Rock of Cashel, and Blarney Castle before heading to Kinsale | Historical sites tour | Kinsale |
Day 2 | Experience Drombeg Stone Circle and Mizen Head along the Wild Atlantic Way | Nature and heritage exploration | Kinsale |
Day 3 | Explore Charles Fort, visit Midleton Distillery, and continue to Cobh and Waterford | Whiskey tasting and history tour | Waterford |
Day 4 | Discover Kilkenny with its abbeys, brewery, and medieval priory | Culture and history tour | Waterford |
Day 5 | Visit Dunbrody Famine Ship, Glendalough, and Powerscourt before returning to Dublin | History and nature tour |
This itinerary transports you through the heart of Ireland, touching its rich history and scenic grandeur. Starting from Dublin, experience an array of historical sites including the fortified Rock of Dunamase, the storied Rock of Cashel, and the iconic Blarney Castle known for its legend of eloquence. With nights spent in charming villages like Kinsale, the trip blends exploration with relaxation. Take in the mystic Drombeg Stone Circle, brave the bridge crossing over the wild surges of Mizen Head, and savor the smooth delight of Midleton’s famed whiskey. Delve into the enchanting streets of Kilkenny, then travel through time aboard the Dunbrody Famine Ship. A pause at Powerscourt concludes this unforgettable journey through landscapes steeped in stories of the past. The tour promises a profound engagement with Ireland’s heritage, wrapped in the lush, dramatic beauty typical of the Emerald Isle.
Itinerary #5: Discover the Trails of Northern Ireland

Overview | Activity | Overnight | |
Day 1 | Arrival in Cushendall | Arrival | Cushendall |
Day 2 | Follow the Moyle Way to Ballycastle, with scenic forest tracks and river views | Hiking | Ballycastle |
Day 3 | Walk the Fair Head Loop along the rugged coastal route | Coastal walk | Bushmills |
Day 4 | Experience Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge and explore Giant’s Causeway, return to Bushmills | Coastal exploration | Bushmills |
Day 5 | Depart from Bushmills after breakfast | Departure |
This hiking tour takes you across the stunning landscapes of Northern Ireland, starting with an arrival in the charming village of Cushendall. On the second day, follow the Moyle Way northward to Ballycastle, where you will relish views of serene forest tracks and the Glenshesk River. Day three presents the Fair Head Loop, delivering a magnificent coastal walk with dramatic cliffs and awe-inspiring seaside views. Experience the world-famous Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge on day four enroute to the Giant's Causeway, a natural wonder abounding with folklore and mystery. Each step reveals an intriguing aspect of Northern Ireland's rich geology and captivating scenery. The adventure wraps up in Bushmills, home of the renowned Bushmills whiskey distillery, providing a fitting farewell to this remarkable hiking journey. This itinerary promises a delightful blend of nature, heritage, and culture in one of the world's most enchanting destinations.
Need help in planning 5-day itinerary to Ireland?
5 days in Ireland are enough to provide you a delightful glimpse into the heart of this captivating country. Each day reveals new treasures, from the lively streets of Dublin to the awe-inspiring Cliffs of Moher and the tranquil beauty of the Ring of Kerry. Chat with our travel experts and plan a custom Ireland trip or create a unique itinerary from scratch.
For other recommended itineraries and possible trip durations, check out our guide on how long to spend in Ireland. Our guide on the best time to visit Ireland and things to do in Ireland might also be helpful. For more duration-related articles, check out our guides on 6 days in Ireland and 7 days in Ireland.
Other related articles:
9 days in Ireland
10 days in Ireland
2 weeks in Ireland